Tributes have been paid to a student and young rugby player who has died after being hit by a car. Liam O’Connor was a pedestrian when he was struck by a silver Peugeot 308 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he had recently completed his second year at Newcastle University.
He had also played rugby for St Ambrose School, Didsbury Toc H and Heaton Moor, where he won player of the season on multiple occasions. Liam also represented Lancashire from under-13s to under-18s and played for the Newcastle Medics during his studies.In a statement announcing Liam's death 'with great sadness', Sale Sharks recalled Liam's 'excellent rugby career'. The club said: "Every one of those teams and its players had a true star and warrior in their team.
Dave Gordon, team manager at Heaton Moor rugby club, described Liam as 'the most complete rugby player, a match winner, a warrior, the best team mate and best friend we could ever have wished for'. He added: "Liam enriched the Heaton Moor team, often getting us winning results with his brilliant rugby skills and athleticism.
Officers were called out to Great North Road, in the Jesmond area of Newcastle, shortly after 1.40am on Saturday following reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian. It was reported that a silver Peugeot 308 had been travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be established, it had collided with Liam.